Lower extremity strengthening device

ABSTRACT

A lower extremity strengthening device for improving strength, agility, and quickness in the legs. The lower extremity strengthening device includes a first strap and a second strap each having a pair of distal ends that removably secure to one another to form a loop, such that the first strap and the second strap each receive an ankle. Each the first strap and the second strap further include a foot loop affixed diametrically opposed to a bottom edge of each strap, wherein the foot loop receives a foot. Each strap further includes a plurality of tethers disposed on an exterior surface thereof, wherein each tether removably secures an end of an elongated member, such that the first and second strap oppose each other. In use, the plurality of tethers are positioned relative to a medial side of the ankle such that the elongated member is disposed between legs of a user.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/448,037 filed on Jan. 19, 2017. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to exercise equipment. More specifically, the present invention provides a lower extremity strengthening device for improving strength, agility, precision, and quickness in the legs. The lower extremity strengthening device is designed for athletes that are looking to increase speed, quickness, and preciseness in their footwork. The device is intended for improving martial arts techniques using the legs. However, the lower extremity strengthening device can be applied to various athletic specialties, such as, football, gymnastics, or soccer. The straps and foot loops allow a user to move their legs in various directions without the straps sliding up the legs of the user, while the elastic elongated member secured between the straps provides resistance to increase strength in the legs during various exercises. Three tethers included on each strap allow for a variety of patterns using resistance bands to address different goals for different athletes.

Training the lower body is important, especially for athletes who utilize their speed, power, timing, and other lower extremity parameters to compete. People working out their lower body may be constantly looking for new ways to improve their workout routines. Being able to simultaneously train muscles for more speed, power, timing, precision, and the like, can be extremely beneficial over a long period of time. Therefore, there is a need in the art for a new and improved footwork strengthening and training device that enables a user to train many different parameters.

Devices have been disclosed in the known art that relate to leg strengthening equipment. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications. These devices generally relate to leg trainers that attach to either the ankles or thighs of a user. Some of these devices are configured to position the legs permanently apart while training. Another device utilizes a compression spring to place tension between the ankles, such that a user can increase strength by separating their ankles. One device is specifically sized to be positioned on the thighs above the knees, wherein resistance is applied therebetween. Lastly, some devices include fasteners to attach to various equipment to provide resistance allowing a user to strengthen various muscles using their legs or arms.

These known art devices have several drawbacks. These known devices lack ankle straps that include a foot loop that secures the ankle strap in place on the ankle and foot of a user, such that the straps do not move during strenuous leg exercises. Further, many of these devices lack a plurality of tethers, used to removably secure multiple elastic elongated members between the ankle straps, such that a user can increase resistance by adding additional elongated members.

In light of the devices disclosed in the known art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the known art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing lower extremity strengthening devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of leg strengthening equipment now present in the known art, the present invention provides a new lower extremity strengthening device wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when improving strength and quickness in the legs. The lower extremity strengthening device allows a user to perform dynamic movements and activities with resistance in any direction. Furthermore, the device can be worn underneath a sneaker, over a sock, or on a bare foot of a user as desired.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved lower extremity strengthening device that has all of the advantages of the known art and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a lower extremity strengthening device comprising a first strap and a second strap, wherein each the first strap and the second strap include a first distal end and a second distal end, wherein each distal end contains a fastener configured to removably secure each distal end to one another to form a loop, such that each the first strap and the second strap are configured to receive an ankle therein. Each the first strap and the second strap further include a foot loop having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end are affixed diametrically opposed to a bottom edge of the strap, such that the loop is positioned perpendicularly from the strap, wherein the loop is configured to receive a foot. Each the first strap and the second strap further include a plurality of tethers disposed on an exterior surface, wherein each tether of the plurality of tethers includes a fastener disposed on a distal end thereof, and at least one elongated member having a fastener on a first end and a second end, wherein a first fastener on the first end removably secures to a first tether on the first strap and a second fastener on the second end removable secures to a first tether on the second strap, such that the first strap and the second strap oppose each other.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a lower extremity strengthening device wherein the fastener on each the first distal end and the second distal end of each the first strap and the second strap comprises hook and loop material.

Another object of the present invention is to provide wherein the fastener on the distal end of each tether is a buckle and wherein each the first fastener and the second fastener of the elongated member is a threaded connecting link.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide wherein the at least one elongated member is constructed of an elastic material and the first strap and the second strap are constructed of a flexible material. The elasticity of the at least one elongated member can vary, such that various elongated members may have different resistance tolerances, whereby a user can select a different resistance relative to a color which will allow an athlete to choose the resistance according to the desired activity and fitness goal.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a lower extremity strengthening device that may be readily fabricated from materials that permit relative economy and are commensurate with durability.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the lower extremity strengthening device.

FIG. 2 shows a close up view of an embodiment of a strap of the lower extremity strengthening device.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the lower extremity strengthening device, wherein the lower extremity strengthening device is secured to the ankles of a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the lower extremity strengthening device. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as attached to a user's ankles and feet, such that the device can be used for improving strength, quickness, and agility in the legs. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the lower extremity strengthening device and a close up view of an embodiment of a strap of the lower extremity strengthening device, respectively. The lower extremity strengthening device 11 comprises a first strap 12 and a second strap 13, wherein each the first strap 12 and the second strap 13 are removably secured to opposing sides of at least one elongated member 14. The first strap 12 and the second strap 13 each include a first distal end 25 and a second distal end 26, wherein each distal end 25, 26 contains a fastener 18 configured to removably secure each distal end 25, 26 to one another to form a loop, such that each strap 12, 13 is configured to receive an ankle of a user.

In the illustrated embodiment, each strap 12, 13 comprises a flexible material, such as fabric or nylon, to allow the strap 12, 13 to bend and form a loop around the ankle. However, any suitable flexible material may be used. The fastener 18 of each strap 12, 13 is configured to allow the diameter of the strap to be adjusted to fit ankles having varying diameters. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener 18 on each the first distal end 25 and the second distal end 26 of each strap 12, 13 comprises hook and loop material. However, in alternative embodiments any suitable fastener 18 may be used, such as, a button, clip, or zipper. In this way, the fastener 18 allows a user to easily remove or adjust the diameter of the strap during a workout.

Each the first strap 12 and the second strap 13 further include a foot loop 16, 17 comprising a first end 29 and a second end 30. The first end 29 and the second end 30 of the foot loop 16, 17 are affixed diametrically opposed to a bottom edge 31 of each strap 12, 13, such that the foot loop 16, 17 extends arcuately from the bottom edge 31 of each the first strap 12 and the second strap 13. The foot loop 16, 17 is positioned perpendicularly from the strap, wherein the foot loop 16, 17 is configured to receive a foot of a user. When in an attached position, the foot loop 16, 17 is configured to rest flush against a sole and side of the foot when attached thereto. In this way, the foot loop 16, 17 receives the sole of a foot in order to prevent vertical movement of the strap 12, 13 up a leg when performing leg exercises wearing the device 11.

The first strap 12 and the second strap 13 of the lower extremity strengthening device 11 each further include a plurality of tethers 15 disposed on an exterior surface 19 thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of tethers 15 protrude radially relative to the exterior surface 19 of the first strap 12 and the second strap 13. Each tether of the plurality of tethers 15 comprises a fastener 21 disposed on a distal end 20 thereof. The plurality of tethers 15 are configured to removable secure a fastener 24 of at least one elongated member 14, such that the first strap 12 and the second strap 13 oppose each other on opposing ends of the elongated member 14. Each elongated member 14 comprises a first end 22 and a second end 23, wherein each end 22, 23 includes a fastener 24 that secures to the fastener 21 of the tethers 15.

In the illustrated embodiment, two elongated members 14 are removably secured to the fasteners 21 of a first tether and a second tether by fasteners 24 disposed on each end 22, 23 of the elongated members 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the fasteners 21 on the plurality of tethers 15 are configured as buckles, and the fasteners 24 on the first and second ends of each elongated member 14 are configured as threaded connecting links. However, in alternative embodiments, any suitable fastening connection may be used, such as a spring-loaded clip or carabiner.

In the illustrated embodiment, the elongated members 14 have a cylindrical shape that extends a length of the elongated member 14. However, in alternative embodiments, any suitable shape, such as rectangular, may be used. Further, each of the elongated members 14 of the lower extremity strengthening device 11 comprises an elastic material, such as, rubber. This allows the elongated member to be stretched and flexed in various directions, such that the ankle straps 12, 13 can be moved apart from each other. However, in alternative embodiments, any suitable elastic material may be used, such as, nylon or polyvinyl chloride. The elastic material is configured to provide resistance when performing leg exercises, such as when kicking, wherein the elongated member 14 biases the legs toward each other. Multiple elongated members may be used, wherein each elongated member has a different resistance tolerance relative to a color of the member, such that a user can place more resistance between the straps. This resistance coupled with the positioning of the straps can increase length strength. Furthermore, the fasteners 24 allow a user to easily attach or remove elongated members 14 during a workout to increase or decrease resistance as needed.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the lower extremity strengthening device, wherein the lower extremity strengthening device is secured to the ankles of a user. In use, a user positions a foot 28 within the foot loop 16, 17 of each strap 12, 13, such that the sole of the foot 28 rests flush with an inner surface of each foot loop 16, 17. Once in place, each strap 12, 13 of the device 11 is removably secured to each ankle 27 of the user. The foot loop 16, 17 is configured to prevent the strap 12, 13 from moving vertically up the user's ankle 27 when performing leg exercises. The plurality of tethers 15 are configured to be positioned on the medial side of the ankle when the straps 12, 13 are properly placed. This positioning places the fastener 21 of each tether 15 such that it can be received by the fastener 24 of at least one elongated member 14 disposed between the legs of the user.

Once the straps 12, 13 are correctly placed on the ankles 27 of the user, one or more elongated members 14 can be removably secured to the plurality of tethers 15 of both straps 12, 13, thereby interconnecting the strap to one another. When attached, the elongated members 14 create resistance that restricts the movement of the users' feet 28 relative away from one another. The user can attach any number of elongated members 14 to the tethers 15 to form a larger amount of resistance. When performing leg exercises using the device 11, the resistance created by utilizing the elongated members 14 increases leg strength.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

I claim: 1) A lower extremity strengthening device, comprising: a first strap and a second strap, wherein each the first strap and the second strap include a first distal end and a second distal end, wherein each distal end contains a fastener configured to removably secure each distal end to one another to form a loop, such that each the first strap and the second strap are configured to receive an ankle; wherein each the first strap and the second strap include a foot loop having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end are affixed diametrically opposed to a bottom edge of the strap, such that the foot loop is positioned perpendicularly from the strap, wherein the foot loop is configured to receive a foot; wherein each the first strap and the second strap include a plurality of tethers disposed on an exterior surface, wherein each tether of the plurality of tethers includes a fastener disposed on a distal end thereof; at least one elongated member having a fastener on a first end and a second end thereof, wherein a first fastener on the first end removably secures to a first tether on the first strap and a second fastener on the second end removable secures to a first tether on the second strap, such that the first strap and the second strap oppose each other. 2) The lower extremity strengthening device of claim 1, wherein the fastener on each the first distal end and the second distal end of each the first strap and the second strap comprise hook and loop material. 3) The lower extremity strengthening device of claim 1, wherein the fastener on the distal end of each tether comprises a buckle. 4) The lower extremity strengthening device of claim 1, wherein each the first fastener and the second fastener of the elongated member comprise a threaded connecting link. 5) The lower extremity strengthening device of claim 1, wherein the foot loop extends arcuately from the bottom edge of each the first strap and the second strap. 6) The lower extremity strengthening device of claim 1, wherein the at least one elongated member is constructed of an elastic material. 7) The lower extremity strengthening device of claim 1, wherein the at least one elongated member is constructed of rubber. 8) The lower extremity strengthening device of claim 1, wherein the first strap and the second strap are constructed of a flexible material. 9) The lower extremity strengthening device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of tethers are configured to be positioned on the medial side of the ankle when worn. 10) The lower extremity strengthening device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of tethers protrude radially relative to the exterior surface of the first strap and the second strap. 11) The lower extremity strengthening device of claim 1, wherein the elongated member comprises cylindrical shape. 12) A method of attaching a lower extremity strengthening device to a user, comprising: receiving a right foot of a user within a foot loop of a first strap; securing a first distal end and a second distal end of the first strap around a right ankle of a user to form a loop, such that a plurality of tethers disposed on an exterior surface of the first strap are positioned on a medial side of the right ankle; receiving a left foot of a user with a foot loop of a second strap; securing a first distal end and a second distal end of the second strap around a left ankle of a user to form a loop, such that a plurality of tethers disposed on an exterior surface of the second strap are positioned on a medial side of the left ankle; and securing at least one elongated member to at least one tether of the plurality of tethers of each the first strap and the second strap, such that the first strap and second strap are on opposing ends of the at least one elongated member. 